Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village

Exploring the natural and cultural highlights of Antalya Province often means searching for authentic experiences beyond the busy tourist spots. The Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village tour offers just that—an immersive journey through scenic landscapes, historical villages, and the world’s third-largest underground lake. The trip is suited for travelers eager to combine nature, culture, and some local flavor, all wrapped into a manageable six-hour package.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to visit Altnbesik Cave, home to a remarkable underground lake, and to stroll through traditional villages like Ormana, Ürünlü, and Avasun. The experience is both visually stunning and culturally enriching. However, one aspect to keep in mind is the driving style reported by past travelers—some found the guide’s pace in the Taurus Mountains a bit brisk, so those prone to motion sickness or seeking a more relaxed journey might want to prepare accordingly.

This tour offers great value for those wanting a mix of scenery, history, and local life without overextending their day. It’s ideal for curious travelers who love exploring off-the-beaten-path locations with knowledgeable guides, in a friendly group setting.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: Home to the world’s third-largest underground lake at Altnbesik Cave.
• Scenic Views: Breathtaking vistas from a 1200-meter high terrace.
• Cultural Charm: Visits to traditional villages with unique architecture like Ürünlü’s buttoned houses.
• Local Flavors: Freshly squeezed orange juice and regional fruits at a village orchard.
• Authentic Experience: Guided walks through villages and insight into local life and history.
• Value for Money: Inclusive of entrance fees, boat rides, and lunch, making it a comprehensive day trip.

Detailed Review of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off bright and early, with hotel pickups between 08:30 and 09:30 in Side. The transportation is a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—important for making the long day pleasant. The group size isn’t specified but is generally small enough to foster a friendly atmosphere, guided by multilingual experts fluent in English, German, and Russian.

The Journey Begins: Orange Orchard Stop

The first stop is at a Sarlar village orange orchard lasting about 20 minutes. Here, the guide shares insights into different orange varieties, and visitors are offered the chance to sample fresh juice. This is a lovely, relaxed way to start the day, setting a tone of authentic local flavor and calm countryside ambiance.

Avasun Village: Scenic and Lively

Next, the tour ventures into Avasun Village, about a 30-minute drive from the orchard. This place is celebrated for its incredible beauty and traditional village life. Guides here highlight the local flora and let visitors pick bay leaves and regional fruits—something that adds a real personal touch. We enjoyed the brief stroll, which gave us a genuine taste of rural Anatolian life, away from touristy spots.

The Panoramic Viewpoint

A highlight is the 1200-meter high viewing terrace overlooking Oymapnar and Manavgat dam lakes. It’s a quick photo stop, but the views are absolutely worth the few minutes it takes to soak them in. Past reviewers, like Linda, appreciated the scenic landscapes but also pointed out the rapid driving in the mountains—so if you’re sensitive to speed, it’s something to consider.

Ürünlü Village: Architectural Gem

From there, we head to Ürünlü Village, famous for its buttoned houses—a regional architectural curiosity. A guided 15-minute walk introduces visitors to these unique structures, offering insight into local building traditions. The houses are visually striking, with their distinctive facades, making them ideal for photography and cultural appreciation.

Cave Exploration at Altnbesik

The most anticipated part is the Altnbesik Cave, home to one of the world’s largest underground lakes. The guide provides an informative overview, emphasizing the lake’s size and natural beauty. Visitors then hop onto inflatable boats for a 15-minute ride inside the cave—a captivating experience that reveals stalactites, stalagmites, and the mysterious underground water.

Past visitors, including Linda, describe the cave as “beautiful,” and the boat ride as “captivating.” The cave excursion is both impressive and educational, providing a sense of wonder through the natural formations and underground waters.

Lunch at Ormana Village

After the cave, the tour proceeds to Ormana Village for a traditional Turkish lunch. The meal is included, which adds great value, and offers a chance to enjoy local flavors in a relaxed setting. The village setting enhances the experience, as you can savor regional dishes amid rustic surroundings.

Belenalan Village & Cultural Sights

The last stop is Belenalan Village, with sights like an Ottoman-era mosque and an old primary school. Visitors are given about 30 minutes to explore, providing a glimpse into local history and architecture. It’s a quieter, reflective end to the day, before the return journey.

Return to Hotel

The tour concludes with a scenic drive back to your hotel, expected to arrive between 17:30 and 18:00, depending on your location. The timing allows for a full, yet not overly lengthy day out, with plenty of opportunities to reflect on the diverse sights experienced.

The Practicalities & Value

Priced at $42 per person, this tour offers fairly good value considering the inclusion of entrance fees, boat rides, a substantial lunch, and professional guides. The fact that you are transported directly from your hotel removes any hassle and keeps the day smooth.

The tour is inclusive of guides fluent in English, German, and Russian, which broadens accessibility. The focus on authentic experiences—like sampling regional fruits and walking through traditional villages—makes it especially appealing to travelers wanting more than just sightseeing.

However, some travelers, like Linda, noted that the driver drove too fast in the Taurus Mountains, which could be uncomfortable for those sensitive to rapid driving or motion sickness. If you have concerns about speed or comfort, it might be worth mentioning to the tour operator.

What’s Not Included

You should note that drinks during the tour, personal expenses, and souvenirs are not included. If you like to indulge in extra drinks or buy gifts, bring some extra cash.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who love scenic views, cultural history, and natural wonders. It’s suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate guided tours with a local flavor. Nature lovers will enjoy the underground lake and mountain vistas, while culture enthusiasts will find the village visits enlightening.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced day or travelers with mobility issues, given the bus rides and walking involved. Also, if you’re not a fan of rapid mountain driving, you might find the journey a little brisk.

The Sum Up

The Altnbesik Cave & Ormana Village tour is a compelling choice for anyone keen to experience a mix of natural marvels and traditional rural life within a single day. The underground lake at Altnbesik Cave is a standout feature, offering a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most impressive subterranean waters. Meanwhile, the visits to scenic viewpoints and charming villages provide an authentic, slower-paced counterbalance to the awe-inspiring underground adventure.

The included lunch, guided walks, and boat ride add layers of value that make this tour a practical choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out. While the driving style might not suit everyone and the tour’s pace can be brisk, overall, it’s a well-rounded experience that highlights the best of Antalya’s landscapes and local culture.

If you’re looking for a mix of spectacular scenery, cultural insights, and natural wonders—all at a reasonable price—this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s an ideal outing for curious explorers eager to venture beyond the usual tourist trails and uncover the hidden gems of Antalya Province.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from hotels in the Side area, scheduled between 08:30 and 09:30.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, ending around 17:30-18:00.

What languages do the guides speak?
Guides are proficient in English, German, and Russian, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees to Altnbesik Cave and other sites visited.

Can I buy drinks or souvenirs during the tour?
No, drinks and personal expenses are not included; bring cash if you wish to purchase extras.

Is the boat ride inside the cave safe?
The inflatable boat ride is a common part of the cave visit, guided by professionals, and designed for a safe, memorable experience.

In essence, this tour offers a balanced combination of natural spectacle and cultural discovery, perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded day in Antalya’s beautiful landscape.